About the Designathon
The designathon aims to bring vibrant young people across Nigeria together to co-create feasible, easily implementable and sustainable social innovations to address the areas of sustainable development goal 3 that disproportionately affect them and threaten their future. These are; climate health, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, and mental health
The Challenge
“How might we co-create sustainable advocacy programs for major health problems affecting young people in Nigerian communities?”
Focus Areas
Benefits
- Gain skill and knowledge on design thinking and co-creation
- Develop and lead advocacy program in the community
- Support for implementation post-designathon
- Stipend at end of designathon
- Certificate of participation
- Network with stakeholders and other young advocates
Eligibility
- Participants must be Nigerian
- Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 26 by the end of 2024
- Participants must be able to commit to the entire three-day event
- Participants must be willing to continue working on the advocacy initiative post-designathon.
- Participants must be willing to collaborate and work in a team
- Participants must possess relevant technical and soft skills
This year, the Innovate for Impact Designathon prioritizes collaboration over competition and simplicity over sophistication.
By the end of the event, participating teams will have actionable advocacy plans to create societal change at the grassroots level.
Selection Criteria
- Expression of genuine interest in problem-solving, creativity, and innovation.
- Expression of genuine interest in addressing social challenges.
- Expression of genuine interest in addressing a particular social impact area.
- Expression of a clear and compelling reason for wanting to participate in the Innovate for Impact Designathon.
- Possession of relevant skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can participate in the designathon?
A: Any Nigerian youth between the ages of 18 and 26.
Q: When and where will the designathon take place?
A: The designathon will take place over three days (from Sept 6 to 8) in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Q: Will there be accommodation?
A: No. We encourage applicants residing in Ibadan only. Participants will commute to the venue daily from their residence. The daily program will start by 8am and end by 4pm.
Q: Is there a registration fee for the designathon?
A: No.
Q: How do I register for the designathon?
A: To partake in the designathon, you have to complete an open call application. Once selected, you will be invited to partake in the designathon.
Q: What are the judging criteria for the designathon competition?
A: The judging criteria for the open call includes:
- Interest in problem-solving, creativity, and innovation.
- Interest in addressing social challenges.
- Interest in addressing a particular social impact area.
- Interest in participating in the Innovate for Impact Designathon.
- Possession of relevant skill.
Q: Can I participate in the designathon as part of a team?
A: Applications to partake in designathon should be filled individually. However, a team formation activity will be carried out. Each team will focus on one of the focus areas.
Q: What are the prizes for the winners of the designathon competition?
A: This year’s designathon is not a competition. All the teams will be supported equally with both financial and human resources. However, all the teams will be required to implement their advocacy program after the designathon.
Note that everyone who partakes in the designathon will gain a lot of knowledge and skills to uncover root causes of problems, and design proper, relevant, and sustainable solutions to these problems. Everyone will additionally receive souvenirs in addition to an enriching experience.
Q: What resources or support will be provided during the designathon competition?
A: Different kinds of support will be provided. Prototyping tools and consumables. Tea break and lunch will be served. Stipend will be provided at the end of the designathon to all participants. Peer-mentors will be available through out the designathon to guide all participants through the process. Stakeholders will provide feedback and support on the pitch day to guide the implementation. Also, mentorship will be provided after the designathon.
Q: How will participants be notified of the results of the open call?
A: Participants will be notified of the results of the open call by email and Whatsapp message by August 25. Make sure to input your correct email address and Whatsapp-connected phone number when filling out the open call application.
Q: Can I apply without prior experience in leading advocacy program?
A: Yes.We particularly encourage applications from individuals with entry-level or low experience in social innovation or health advocacy initiatives. Our goal is to empower a new generation of advocates with the skills and knowledge needed to drive impactful change in their communities.
Q: Who can I contact for more information about the designathon competition?
A: Go through this handbook for more information about this designathon. If you still have questions, please email [email protected]
Information Webinar
We had our information webinar on Friday 26th July, 2024 where we responded to live questions. You can watch the recording on YouTube above.
Timeline
- Open Call [July 22 to August 06]
- Application Decisions [August 25]
- Designathon [September 6 – 8]
- Post Designathon [September to December]